Meet Our Staff

 Kari has been wrestling with dogs and cats as a technician since 1990 and has been with Westside Veterinary clinic since August of 2007. She has a passion for adopting animals from rescues or shelters and giving them a great home. She’s currently putting a lot of her free time into making a completely edible landscape in her backyard that consists of currants, greens, peas, broccoli, asparagus, strawberries, cilantro, potatoes, and more! Kari loves to go hiking with her dog, Zip, and loves her hobby as a contra dancer and caller. When she needs to take a break and recharge Kari loves to visit Point Reyes National Seashore as well as Pagosa Springs. We would be lost without Kari’s loving smile here at Westside. 

Christine is a Certified Veterinary Technician who became a part of our team in March of 2020. She started her career in the veterinary field as a kennel kid when she was in highschool, and got her certification in January of 2019. She has lived in a number of different states and countries including Canada and Scotland! She is the self-proclaimed "chihuahua whisperer" and in her spare time she likes knitting, ceramics, snowboarding, and hiking (especially in the Grand Canyon). Christine loves providing quality care to pets, and enjoys working with our supportive and fun team at Westside!

 Mika was born and raised in Japan and moved to Arizona where she graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Japanese and Asian Studies. Although Mika has had the privilege of working alongside many talented educators and guiding hundreds of children toward success in the classroom, she has always dreamed of working with animals and decided to change career paths. Mika has worked as a vet assistant in emergency veterinary medicine in the past, and joined Westside Veterinary Clinic in July 2020. In her free time, she enjoys painting and sketching, watching movies, fishing, and traveling. She loves spending her time outdoors with her 3 dogs Leeloo, Ellie, and Brotty, and caring for her 40 chickens (and yes, they all have names!)

    A became a part of our family in April of 2021. They have previously interned with The Gentle Barn and rescues special needs animals. A currently has a deaf cattle dog, a neurodivergent poodle and two pit bulls with physical disabilities. They enjoy spending their free time by hiking and exploring new places with their dog, Tyson. They are multi-talented and are a licensed massage therapist, Reiki master teacher, animal communicator and death doula in training. Their favorite animal is a cow because cows are just giant puppies!

   Alicia was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Flagstaff in 2016 and joined our team in June of 2021. She can’t choose a favorite animal and loves them ALL because they each have such unique personalities. She has a small zoo of her own including a pacman frog, 2 cats, goldfish, betta fish, and a three-legged Russian hamster named Lt. Dan. In her spare time, Alicia loves to read, paint, and travel.

Alexia moved to Flagstaff and joined our team in October 2021 after living in North Dakota. She has a cat named Lady who acts like a dog and plays fetch! Her favorite animal is a cat because when cats show affection, they really love you. Alexia is very active and enjoys going to the gym, hiking, and swimming. She even works as a personal trainer when not at the clinic! She has been skydiving, but still thinks the most exciting thing she has ever done was when she moved across the country. 

Angelina started working at Westside in April 2022. She has lived in Flagstaff her whole life, but has gone to school in Mesa, AZ. She graduated from Carrington College with a Veterinary Assistant Certificate. Her favorite animal is a dog because they are so affectionate and loyal. Angelina has two dogs of her own, a Bloodhound/Golden Retriever mix and a Chihuahua (both are very spoiled), and loves to go hiking with them. She enjoys camping and kayaking in her free time. Angelina hopes to swim with elephants one day!

Joe moved to Flagstaff for college, but has lived in both California and Phoenix. He joined our team in May 2022. He loves plants and animals alike; Joe has over 50 houseplants! He also has 8 reptiles, a rabbit named Peaches, and a puppy named Toast. His favorite animal is an elephant because of how intelligent and family-oriented they are. In his free time, Joe loves hiking and exploring new places with his friends. He is currently going to school for biomedical sciences and plans on becoming a veterinarian! 

Hannah Rae was hired as a veterinary technician in May, but has been a volunteer at the clinic since January! She used to live on a farm with 7 dogs growing up and her favorite animals are rescues. She loves rescuing dogs and has been blessed with 3 golden retriever rescues in the past. She has volunteer experience with animal rescues and is hoping to become a veterinarian in the future! In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and watching shows with her pups. She has 2 dogs, named Yuuki and Coco, and 1 fish named Glub Glub.

Jessica was born in Texas and lived in Oklahoma for 22 years. She worked in Customer Service for a veterinarian clinic in Oklahoma City. Jessicas love for animals is expressed through her European Great Dane, Caymus, and her mixed breed pup named Domino who is her partner's Emotional Service Animal (ESA). Domino is amazing according to Jessica and Caymus is a big goof ball.

Dogs seem to be the animal Jessica connects with the most. Jessica is new to Arizona and loves exploring our beautiful state! She is a maker and is always looking for new crafts or ways to create art. Jessica has created life- she has 3 amazing and beautiful children. Two are twins and the other is a year younger than the twins. We are so fortunate to have Jessica on the WVC team!

Jo is a Flagstaffian with deep roots in Hawaii. She can remember wanting to work with animals since she was 5 years old! Jo went to a trade school during Covid to learn to be a Veterinarian Assistant. She joined our team in September 2023. Jo has a Husky that is 6 years old. This handsome pup is named Coco Loco Moco.

He was raised in Mexico and when Jo got him all he knew was Spanish commands. Jo has had fun teaching him to speak english. Jo's favorite animals are anything that are crazy furry! In her spare time Jo enjoys hiking with Coco Loco, skiing, yoga, surfing and shopping. Her hobby is her large family! She loves planning all her family events. Jo is excited to be working in the animal world and is looking forward to meeting your pet!